‘123,000 virus deaths prevented’

COVID-19 vaccinations are estimated to have prevented 123,100 deaths in England, according to new figures.

Previous estimates had put the number at 112,300 deaths.

The figures, calculated by Public Health England and Cambridge University, cover the period up to September 17.

Around 23.9 million infections have also been prevented by the vaccine rollout, along with 230,800 hospital admissions among people aged 45 and over.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director of Public Health England, urged people to remain vigilant as case rates remain high throughout the country.

“With winter approaching, it is likely that infections, hospitalisations and deaths will rise”, she said. “The vaccines offer the best protection against Covid19. “